The AARP Travel Guide

 

Given that I saw so few movies this year, you would think it's impossible for me to forget to review one.  But that's exactly what happened with "Book Club: The Next Chapter."   I forgot all about it before I even validated my parking ticket at the cinema.

Now that's not to say this isn't decent entertainment.   Following on the heels of its first blockbuster installment, the ladies gather again to provide you with an amusing, if not inconsequential time waster.

Indeed, the people behind this film owe a lot to COVID.  The sequel was likely delayed due to the pandemic, but they use it as a plot point for the first ten minutes.  Seriously, the first part of the movie was actually filmed on Zoom as the four characters practice social distancing.   But, eventually, they are allowed out of the house and they head to Italy for the wedding of Jane Fonda to long time beau Don Johnson.   

And that's it.  The movie not only chews scenery, it gorges on it.  I'm guessing, like their characters, the four actresses were looking for a reason to travel.   And that's why the movie is largely nothing but a travelogue with a light seasoning of plot from time to time.  The latter usually involves one or all four of them behind bar at the polizia.

The good news is that it's always good to see Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenbergen, and Jane Fonda (yes, she made something without Lily Tomlin) on screen like old friends.   As slight as this Book Club is, it's ten times more interesting than Barbie.   Now that one left me with an impression that I couldn't forget to review.

So you can see it.   Or not see it.  Or simply wait for the next country these ladies want to work in.

LEN'S RATING:  Two-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Leftover pasta and meat balls.